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Shift automatic transmission to
position 1 ( page 197).
Drive slowly.
Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive
with moderate engine speeds
(max. 3000 rpm).
Utilize the engine's braking power
when descending a slope, observe the
engine speed (do not overrev the en-
gine). Apply the service brake as need-
ed.
i
For maximum engine speed, see "Instru-
ment cluster" ( page 26) and see "Engine"
( page 553).
Check the brakes after a lengthy down-
grade drive.
Warning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted
climb, back it down in reverse gear.
i
The hill start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist sys-
tem" ( page 196).
Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45 degrees. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.
i
The 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out on
a steep incline when the front wheels have then
the tendency to slip due to the weight shifting
towards the rear axle.
G
The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and limits the
torque for the front wheels by braking them.
Simultaneously the torque for the rear wheels is
increased.
Driving instructions
i
Vehicles with enhanced off-road package*
are equipped with automatic locks for the center
and rear axle differential to improve vehicle
traction.
Driving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not
shift automatic transmission to
position N), to prevent the vehicle from
speeding up too much after climbing a hill.
Use the momentum of the vehicle to drive
across the hilltop.
After climbing a hill, driving in this manner
prevents the vehicle from:
losing ground contact when cresting
hills
losing its forward momentum
speeding up too much after climbing
the hill
Operation
359
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